A much-anticipated cultural event in Mapusa, Goa, faced an abrupt cancellation on Saturday evening, mere minutes before its scheduled start time. The programme, titled ‘Abhang Wari-Abhang Repost’, was called off by authorities because the organisers had failed to obtain a mandatory fire safety No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Last-Minute Order Halts Event
The cancellation order was issued by Pernem deputy collector Shivprasad Naik at the eleventh hour. The event was set to take place at the Suresh Raina ground in Tuem. Over 2,000 people who had travelled from across Goa and the neighbouring Sindhudurg district with advance tickets were left disappointed as the plug was pulled on the programme.
The administrative action gained further urgency after a fire broke out in dry grass near the venue itself. Although fire tenders successfully brought the blaze under control, the incident highlighted potential risks and reinforced the administration's rigid stance on enforcing safety protocols for public gatherings.
Authorities Cite Heightened Vigilance
Deputy Collector Naik, during an on-site inspection, clarified the reasoning behind the strict decision. He stated that the administration is maintaining heightened vigilance for large-scale public gatherings following recent tragedies. He specifically referred to the fatal incidents at the Lairai jatra and the Arpora nightclub, which have prompted a zero-tolerance approach towards events lacking proper permissions.
The organisers, Shri Sateri Bhagwati Kala and Sanskritik Mandal, issued a formal apology for the inconvenience caused to the attendees. However, the sudden cancellation sparked significant public displeasure among the crowd that had gathered for the cultural evening.
Key Takeaways from the Incident
This incident underscores several critical points for event organisers and the public in Goa:
- Mandatory Compliance: Obtaining all government permissions, especially the fire safety NOC, is non-negotiable for public events.
- Proactive Checks: Authorities are now conducting rigorous pre-event checks and will not hesitate to cancel programmes that fail to meet safety standards.
- Public Safety Priority: The government's primary concern is preventing any loss of life, leading to stricter enforcement of rules post-recent accidents.
The Mapusa event cancellation serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of overlooking essential safety clearances, leaving both organisers and patrons to bear the brunt of last-minute disruptions.
